Pain in the ankle

Ankle, or ankle, includes 3 bones (tibial, peroneal and talant) that connect the tendons, forming a block-like connection. Any damage to the ankle determines the pathological displacement of the talus bone, which is enclosed in the articular plug. This bias has an immediate or indirect effect on the lower part of the tibia or ankle, which is what actually causes damage.

Often the cause of pain in the ankle is either arthritis, or subluxation of the joint with the further development of arthrosis. Distinguishing the first from the second is easy enough: arthritic inflammation of the ankle usually appears in parallel with the inflammation of other joints. This causes inflammation and swelling of the ankle joint, as they say, without a reason - without any trauma. Pain in the ankle in arthritis is more pronounced at night (about 3: 00-4: 00), and during the day during walking, the pain is felt, but with less intensity.

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Causes and Diagnosis of Pain in the Ankle

Damage to the ankles and feet. Victims with such traumas represent the largest contingent of injured patients. How is the injury: sharp podtovyvanie foot inward or outward, a fall from a large height to the heel, the fall of heavy items on the foot (fracture of feet, fingers, phalanges, metatarsal bones, etc.).

Deforming arthrosis of the ankle. This is a serious illness that affects the musculoskeletal system. It can reduce the person's ability to work and even lead to disability. In many cases, deforming arthrosis is the result of a complicated complex trauma of one or several of its anatomical components (external and internal ankles, tibia, talus bone). The clinical picture of this disease differs in variety: pain in the ankle and lower leg, swelling of the joint, limited mobility in the joint, defect of the gait.

Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis). The most common disease among people who have reached middle age. With age, the sliding, smooth connective tissue of the bones (cartilage) comprehends wear and tear. As a result, the joint begins inflammation, swelling and pain in the ankle. This syndrome progresses gradually, the increase in stiffness and pain in the ankle occurs with time.

Rheumatoid arthritis. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. Although this ailment is not hereditary, researchers believe that some people are more prone to this disease, having a genetic predisposition. As a rule, the "trigger mechanism" that activates these genes is the infectious factor.

Posttraumatic arthritis. The main reasons for the development of this type of arthritis is a rupture of the soft connective tissue of the joint and displacement. A joint that is damaged is 7 times more prone to arthritis, even if the treatment was performed properly. After a certain time after injury, the body produces hormones that stimulate the process of degeneration in cartilage cells.

Swelling of the ankle. The sciatica can swell for many reasons: from stretch marks and problem joints to swelling. As a rule, swollen ankles cause pain and discomfort. First of all, you should find the cause of the edema, in order to have an idea of what treatment to resort to.

You can take simple measures at home to ease pain in the ankle and reduce its swelling.

1. Edema can be reduced if you raise your legs above the level of the heart. Use a chaise longue or a footstool for this. At night, you can put a pillow under your feet. This will improve blood circulation and eliminate swelling.
2. Wear comfortable shoes that help to relieve pain and reduce swelling until they disappear. There are special shoes for people who have problems with their feet and ankles. As a rule, it is comfortable for the ankles, it is well ventilated and soft.
3. Do exercises for the ankles. It improves blood circulation and muscle activity. These exercises consist of accurate rotation of the feet, bending, tapping and massage. Lay your foot on the bed and take your foot with your hand next to your fingers. Gently rotate the foot clockwise. If this causes discomfort, bend and straighten the leg several times.
4. Use elastic bandages. They are needed to support the ankle and lightly squeeze its area, reducing puffiness. These bandages will further ease the pain in the ankle and foot in the process of walking.
5. Do a radiography. If the above methods have proved ineffective, you probably have a more serious ailment, which should be treated with a traumatologist or rheumatologist.

Symptoms of ankle injury

Stretching of the ligaments of the ankle. Rapid development of edema due to hemorrhage (on the outer or inner side of the joint, sharp pain in the ankle during supination (turning the foot inward.) Palpation under the ankles causes a sharp pain .If in parallel with the sprain of the ligaments there is a fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone, pain in the process of palpation of the base of this bone.

Fracture of the external ankle. The clinical picture is the same as when stretching the ligaments of the ankle, but during palpation the pain sensations are determined both below the ankle, and directly at the ankle.

Fracture of the ankles and subluxation of the foot. The joint greatly increases in size, the attempt to move causes strong pain. The foot moves to the outer, inner or back side depending on the type of subluxation. The victim can feel the crepitation of the fragments. When palpation of the inner and outer ankles, there is pain in the ankle, often a defect is found between the bone fragments.

Fracture of calcaneus. There is a strong thickening of the heel and its turning outward. If there is a fracture with a displacement, the arch of the foot is flattened. The victim can not stand on foot due to very severe pain in the ankle. Because of pain in the heel, movements in the ankle are limited, but they are still possible.

Fracture of the diaphysis of metatarsal bones is the cause of the formation of a large hematoma on the back of the foot ("stop in the form of a pillow"), as well as flattening of the longitudinal arch of the foot. At the same time there is a sharp pain in the ankle during palpation and load on the forefoot.

Dislocation and subluxation in the ankle can be combined with a fracture of the ankles. Dislocation can occur in the place where the ram and calcaneus are connected (the so-called subtalar dislocation). In this case, there is a significant deformation and thickening of the heel and ankle area. The heel is turned inwards. Dislocation of the tarsus of the tarsus and metatarsal bones occurs during the squeezing of the foot and causes its deformation, suggesting the appearance of sprained bones in the rear or in different directions. There is a large hematoma of the back of the foot.